Mexican cinema has found a new, tactile voice on the international stage. The stop-motion short film “Yugen”, a visually stunning production crafted from traditional Oaxaca clay, has been named Best Animated Short at the 2026 Manchester Film Festival. The victory marks a significant achievement for the project, which blends ancestral craftsmanship with modern storytelling to explore the depths of cultural identity.
Directed by Nayelli Ojeda, a graduate of the Tecnológico de Monterrey in Mexico City, “Yugen” is more than just a technical exercise in animation. The film serves as a profound exploration of Mexican popular culture, the strength of femininity and the intricate bond between humanity and the natural world. By utilizing indigenous materials, Ojeda has created a piece that feels rooted in the earth while reaching for a global audience.
The win in Manchester is particularly strategic for the film’s future. The festival serves as a qualifying platform for some of the most prestigious accolades in the industry, including the BAFTA and the British Independent Film Awards, potentially paving the way for further international recognition for Mexican stop-motion art.
The Art of Oaxaca Clay and Narrative Depth
The conceptual journey of “Yugen” began in 2018, when Nayelli Ojeda participated in a modeling workshop with local artisans. This immersive experience with traditional clay techniques became the catalyst for the film, leading Ojeda to incorporate Oaxaca clay and other national materials as the central pillars of the production’s artistic direction.
Narratively, the short follows a family consisting of a grandmother and two young girls. Through their journey, the film tackles themes of resilience and the weight of decision-making at a young age. According to Ojeda, the storytelling focus is designed to highlight how women face and overcome challenges from childhood, emphasizing a lifelong capacity for perseverance.
The choice of medium—clay—is not merely aesthetic. It reflects the director’s personal interest in her cultural identity and the traditions of Mexico. By centering the environment as a shared space for various forms of life, the film underscores the importance of the natural world in shaping the human experience.
A Collaborative Triumph for Women in Animation
The production of “Yugen” was a massive collaborative effort that mirrored the themes of female empowerment present in the script. The project involved more than 100 artists, and notably, over 80% of the team were women according to the filmmaker.
Ojeda notes that this gender balance created a unique collaborative dynamic, characterized by a deep connection among the crew. This synergy between the artists and the subject matter allowed the film to maintain an authentic emotional core, translating the tactile nature of the clay into a resonant cinematic experience.
Key Production Details
- Director: Nayelli Ojeda (EXATEC)
- Primary Material: Oaxaca clay and national materials
- Core Themes: Feminine power, resilience, and nature
- Production Scale: 100+ artists (80%+ women)
- Major Award: Best Animated Short, Manchester Film Festival 2026
As “Yugen” continues its festival run, it stands as a testament to the power of combining traditional folk art with contemporary cinema. By bringing the textures of Oaxaca to the screens of Manchester, Nayelli Ojeda has not only won a trophy but has amplified the visibility of Mexican craftsmanship on a global scale.
With the film now qualifying for major awards like the BAFTAs, the industry will be watching to see how this tactile approach to animation influences future stop-motion projects. We invite you to share your thoughts on the intersection of traditional art and film in the comments below.